Welcome to part 2 of my Ageless Fitness series. In my last post, I looked at how women in their 20’s and 30’s viewed fitness. Today I am talking with women in their 40’s and 50’s to see what fitness means to them and how their ideas on fitness may have changed as they have aged.
Ageless Fitness:Women’s views on fitness as they age
What does fitness mean to you in your 40’s?
Meet Holly and Laura both moms in their 40’s with children under 10.
Laura: “Fitness in my 40s means perpetually searching for challenges to tackle and beat. I am suddenly incredibly competitive with myself. I want to push to achieve things that I didn’t think possible. And because I have, I am emboldened to keep going. I have a never before discovered bad ass inside of me. I think I am rebelling against the story that we physically decline in our forties–I will not go quietly!”
Holly: “I had been quite active in open water swimming in my 20’s through my 40’s and found running quite late around age 45. Fitness means good health and happiness to me! When I am in good physical shape, I tend to be much healthier and therefore happier.
How has motherhood changed your idea of fitness?
Laura: I no longer treat fitness as a part of my beauty routine. I am aware that working out helps, to a certain extent, with weight control. But working out and weight control, are no longer synonymous with “fitness” in my mind. This shift for me is radical, and it’s because I now want to model what I believe is a healthy attitude and lifestyle for my girls. “Fitness” in my family is about being active and making good food choices for a strong and healthy body. How one looks is not relevant.
Holly: “I found that juggling full time work, motherhood and exercise was just exhausting! I could not find opportunities to swim that did not keep me from my family time. Joining MRTT (3 years ago) kicked my fitness into gear. I was able to find time to run (very early in the morning) that did not interfere with anything else and that was the key to improving my health and fitness level. Regular exercise with like minded friends has become my easy routine.”
How do you think fitness might change for you in 10 years?
Laura: I have heard that people mellow with age? Well, maybe that would be nice. Perhaps I could relax and stop this competition with myself. I picture myself having gotten wiser and gained more perspective.
Holly: I hope to continue to compete in half marathons, sprint tri and relay races over the next decade. The overall improvement in health and the ability to keep up with my 8 yo son are big motivators. In 10 years I’d be in the 60-65 age group and I’d consider that an honor!
What does fitness mean to you in your 50’s?
Gail ( mom of 2 young adults): “Someone once told me that during perimenopause and menopause, the mothering hormones decrease and life is more about oneself and not the kids. So I feel that recently I’ve been pouring all my (non-work) energy into fitness and exercise. It’s all about me and very selfish but I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Andrea (mom of 2 teens): “Fitness at 50 is more thoughtful than it was for me in my 20’s and 30’s. I find that I am more risk adverse. Concentration, visual acuity, and balance are skills that must be maintained and focused on for safety and longevity. Fitness at 50 is all about having fun and doing what you can each day.”
How did fitness change for you with motherhood?
Andrea: “The key for me has been managing to MY schedule and juggling priorities and responsibilities to facilitate what needs to be done, and my personal goals for physical and mental health. Don’t forget that your healthy lifestyle models your children’s behavior. My only regret is that I did not join MRTT sooner. My advice-Join MRTT or another local group for motivation, camaraderie and peer pressure.
How has fitness changed for you the last 10 years?
Gail: “Over the last 10 years four things have changed in my fitness routines: (1) Now I have to stretch before and after, (2) I cross-train, (3) I always wear sunscreen outside when exercising (those wrinkles scare me), and (4) I’ve learned that I like to run with others. Into the future, I expect that I will be more aware of maintaining fitness, bone mass and balance to prepare my body for aging (that will hopefully not start for another 30 or 40 years!).”
Andrea: “Over 50, I focus now, on what I am capable of doing each week/day, versus what I’d like to do. I set a routine and stick to it. As we age, our body doesn’t always allow us to do what our mind and heart would like to do, and it is important to go with the daily flow.”
I hope you enjoyed reading this series as much as I enjoyed writing it.
How might fitness change for you in the next 10 years?
Linking up with Nicole
and Jenn
As I just entered my 30’s last year I think I still have a lot to learn! I hope I’m as active and awesome in 10 – 15 years as these ladies are!!
They are a real inspiration for sure! Thanks for stopping by
I’ve already seen fitness change for me quite in a bit, just in the past 10 years. In the future, I see it continuing to change just because I will change! But, it will always mean the same thing to me at its core: health.
Great post! I really enjoyed reading it and reflecting!
Well thanks I am glad you enjoyed reading it. I really had a great time talking with everyone to write it. It is hard to think ahead 10 years for me too but I hope I am still as active and passionate about health as I am now.
I don’t want to think about 10 years from now–I”ll be in my 60s! Yikes! I hope to still be running, altho I don’t see myself running marathons in my 60s. I’d still like to be competitive! I also see myself still doing weight training, and most likely a lot more yoga.
It is hard to think ahead like that isn’t it? I have no doubt you will still be quite the picture of health in 10 years 🙂
What a fascinating series! I really enjoyed reading it. You have some wonderful friends/ running buddies.
I absolutely do! So glad you enjoyed it as much as I did.
I really enjoyed this blog segment. Great idea!
Thanks so much for checking it out! Have a great weekend
So interesting, Deborah!
“As we age, our body doesn’t always allow us to do what our mind and heart would like to do, and it is important to go with the daily flow.”
Oh, how true is that!
That is so true and sometimes a very hard truth for me to accept. #aginggracefully
This is very interesting and I’m going to go read the one about women in their 20s and 30s! While I don’t have the same commitments as these women (kids), fitness is an ever evolving process for our bodies. I find that as I get older, I’m continuously pushing myself to meet more goals. That’s why I love running- there’s never an end to the goals you can set for yourself, whether it’s a new PR or a new distance/type of race!
That’s true running always gives you new goals big and small. Glad you enjoyed!
In my mind, fitness is such an illustration that age ain’t nuthin but a numba. These women kick ass and take names, regardless of what they “should” be capable of at their age!
I totally agree! That was one of the themes I was hoping would be apparent.
I’m adding a lot more yoga so I hope to make that into my routine so I can get over all of these muscle and ligament type injuries. I definitely don’t plan on slowing down and if I meet Mr. Right and have kids, I hope to show them healthy fitness.
I’ve had a few of those types of injuries the past few years as well and I am finding hot yoga to be a great addition to my workouts.
Fun series! I turn 40 next year so it’s nice to know what to look forward to. One of the things I love about my running group is that all ages are represented. I fully intend to keep running and triathloning for the next 20 years!
That’s exactly how our running group is and I love it! It is an amazing experience to share with other women.
Great post! I love the “I will not go quietly” quote from Laura, as that’s very much how I feel as well! 😛 I hope to stay active all my life, if possible! :]
I loved her quotes as well! I know you will
I agree with Gail. As our kids age, our focus shifts from them and life is no longer ALL about the kids. I don’t feel it’s selfish, but just a natural progression. Running has filled a void for me. It’s a healthy way to focus my energy and on something I enjoy. Good to see you in the hop!
With one child in college and my youngest about to go soon too, I wonder if I will soon make the same transitions. It is strange to care for them for so long and then all of the sudden have more time to yourself.
Very interesting perspectives. I love Laura’s comment that “how one looks is not relevant”. I feel the same way, yet we’re bombarded with so much about looking better. It’s such an obsession.
I loved her comments as well and how she is modeling that to her girls.
Looks like I have some things to look forward too in the next decade, I also hope that my son likes running and maybe wants to run with me – in the next decade 😉
It’s always fun when you kids want to exercise with you. Thanks for stopping by today!
I love Laura saying that she never knew that she has this “badass” inside of her…. I love that Gail says she is being “selfish” and she is owning it and proud of it rather than looking at it as a bad thing…. I know it seems cliche, but for me, since turning 40 a couple of years ago, life keeps getting better.
You know I feel the same way. I feel as though I have much more self confidence
I love this post! I have been thinking about this a lot as I approach 40 this fall and how running will change for me as I age. Loved reading what all of the other women had to say!
Thanks I enjoyed writing it as well. Have a great weekend
Such an interesting series! I was especially intrigued by what Laura said about fitness no longer being part of her beauty routine. I think it’s great to approach fitness not as a way to look good but more as a way to feel good. Thanks for sharing!
I thought so too and thanks for stopping by today to give it a read.
This is a really interesting series. I really peaked in fitness in my 20s/early 30s with triathlon and marathons/half marathons. I’ve relaxed more but am still very physically active – sometimes I feel that I’m addicted to exercise (not good). However, I’m very aware of how my body is changing regardless of how I eat or exercise. There are just things that are out of my control. So, as I approach my 40s I’m constantly re-evaluating what fitness means to me. Wonderful perspectives here.
Thanks so glad that you enjoyed reading the series. Things do change as you enter your 40’s but many would argue they get better!
I love what Andra said about how our bodies don’t’ always let us to do what our minds think we should. That’s me! When did I get so old? How did this happen? These ladies look fabulous! And such a great reminder that we are never too old to reach our goals, maybe just have to take a different avenue than before. 🙂 Thanks for sharing Part 2 I loved it as much as Part 1!!!
Thanks so much! I also have a hard time admitting that my body can’t always do everything we want them to
It’s interesting to see what fitness was and is for other people.
I think so too! It was great fun to read and write for me too
I am in my 60’s and I feel fitter and faster than ever. (Of course, I didn’t start running until age 55).
Love this post.
It is cool that you are a RRCA Certified Run Coach and a Girls on The Run Coach. I am a GOTR buddy because I work.
Nice to meet you (at least virtually.)
Nice to meet you here too! I feel fitter than ever in my mid forties now and I look forward to keeping it going.
In 10 years I hope do be doing what I am now but hopefully faster and stronger 😉
Well that’s a good plan!!
I don’t know that I see fitness changing for me in the next 10 years, but I’m sure it will take a course I might not expect. I’d love to be able to see my son develop a passion for fitness in the form of just playing and having fun (whether that’s sports, running, neighborhood games – whatever).
I also secretly hope I can somehow maintain my marathon pace until I’m about 85 years old when it would then qualify me for Boston 😉
I like that plan good luck 🙂
What a great post! I think it’s important to highlight how things change because I talk to a lot of younger runners who take it for granted. I’ve changed the way I approach things and know that I have limitations in some areas and make adjustments. It doesn’t mean I can’t reach goals, just that I reach them differently.
Young people take everything for granted LOL! Glad you enjoyed reading it-I really enjoyed writing it
very insightful!!! I certainly am a lot more “fit” now (in my 40’s) than I have ever been before. I’m not in it to stay thin….I want my heart and lungs to keep working for many more years LOL I also enjoy seeing myself achieve goals that I never thought possible, even 10 years ago…. marathon(s)? ultra(s)? Bring it!! 😉
that’s exactly how I feel! Thanks for stopping by today and sharing your thoughts
I’m so hopeful I’m able to continue running and staying healthy throughout my 30s and all the rest of my (hopefully many more) decades!
Yes that’s the plan for me too! I just have to take it one day at time
Deborah, I cannot tell you how much I’ve enjoyed reading this!! I hope that in 10 years my fitness goals are on par with these ladies! I want to be strong and healthy and I want to contralto push myself out of my comfort zone.
Thanks so much Heather! I really enjoyed writing it as well. I have a wonderful group of ladies out there to inspire me.
First can I just say these women look so much younger than the age groups they are in! What a fabulous group of inspirational women, I think youth shines through on them because of their attitude and perspective on fitness and and active lifestyle.
I always wanted to be one of those old granny types still going out for runs well into my 80’s-90’s, I mean why not dream for it, right!
I’ve actually really enjoyed this age group series. I saw so much in the gals mentioned the other day who were in my own age group, and I am just so inspired of these fabulous ladies and the lives their are leading! Great fitness series idea!!!!
Thanks so much! I really enjoyed writing it as well. I really am surrounded by an amazing group of women who really inspire me to keep going as well.
I can’t imagine how much fitness will change for me in the next 10 years, but I’d guess it’ll partly be to help me stay sane since in 10 years I’ll have a 10 year old. Oh my goodness I cannot imagine my little man being so big!
Before you know it!
Great series. It’s awesome reading other women’s views. I hope in ten years to still be distance running!
It is fun to read other views and me too!
i think it was in my mid 40’s when the shift finally turned back to me 🙂 I don’t apologize about it, I just live it 🙂 I think it is important to be a great role model for my older kids, work hard play hard and that means taking care of yourself and challenging yourself. I only see myself getting better, not stressing about that next age group!
Yes that’s exactly how I feel. I still have one at home but I am definitely more comfortable taking some time for me as well.
I absolutely love both of these posts. I am a 31 (32 the end of Feb) year old mom of one with another on the way in April. My views on fitness sure have changed since becoming a mother and the older I get I definitely do things differently as my priorities have shifted. I think it’s an incredibly important dialogue to keep open for women at all stages of life. I currently blog about pregnancy fitness because I want other women to know that just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you can’t (or shouldn’t) work out!
PS: I LOVE the look of your website! It’s so fun, inviting and colorful!
I totally agree and I love your pregnancy posts. I feel like views on pregnant women exercising have changed a lot in the last 10 years. Oh and thanks I recently did some blog upgrades so glad to hear you like it
This was such a great read – very inspiring. I love how my views on fitness have evolved.
I know it’s funny how that happens isn’t it?
Fitness didn’t exist for me 10 years ago. Hopefully I’ll get my son and husband participating before the next 10.
That’s a great goal too!
I love how it changes as you get older…less about the way you look, but the way you feel!
Yes absolutely true!
Becoming so aware of this. 30s are so different than my 20s!
Oh yes definitely! I feel like I am in the best shape I ever have been in my 40’s
I really love this little series! It’s like the Age Issue of a magazine – so interesting!
Well thanks so much I am glad you did! I really enjoyed writing it as well.
Very inspiring! It’s great to read about women who stay active 🙂
I am so lucky to have such an inspiring group of ladies to run with.
Loved reading both parts 1 and 2 of various womens views on fitness! Great read! I’ll be in my 40’s in a couple of years and I’m hoping to continue running and hiking like I have been doing.
Thanks I loved reading all these responses as well!
I’m not slowing down, but by adding cycling and even yoga to my schedule, I hope to keep active for a long, long time,
Yes me too! Have to keep moving forward
As a mom in her mid-40s, I found this to be spot on! I’ve definitely found myself leaning more towards taking care of myself and wanting to be stronger and fitter. The competitive side of me keeps popping out too, and has been a great motivator. Very excited to meet you!
Thanks I am glad you could relate to this. It was really fun to write. The competitive side does come out for me too and can be a great motivator.
I’m in my 30s, and I came to fitness very late in life–as in, the past 3 or so years. 🙂 I think my goals will amp up in the next 10 years. I really want to be comfortable in my own skin as I get older, and I think fitness will be a big part of that.
I feel so much more comfortable and self secure in my 40’s and fitness is a big reason for that.
I just read both parts of the series!! Loved reading this and women’s perspective on fitness as they age. Really inspirational and just cements the fact that you can achieve your goals and stay fit at any age! I thought it was super interesting about the woman in her late 20’s (Anastasia) who basically thought she’d decline so much in 10 years. Not be able to PR or not be flexible – not able to lift more?!! I think she will find that her perspective will greatly change.
30’s are prime, awesome years and long distance runners can get fitter, faster and stronger.
Great series!
Thanks so much! I am glad you enjoyed reading it. I have a wonderful group of women who really inspire me as well.
Great read! I love reading real life experiences about others and their fitness journeys. I think that is the key for me, it is a journey! There will always be new things to do/try, and new things to learn along the way.
I hope I learn to give myself more grace in the next decade (hopefully sooner too). Just continue learning to love myself for who I am and what my body is capable of! No matter what anyone else is doing, I must keep my eyes on me 🙂
That sounds like a great plan! I loved reading about my friends thoughts on fitness as well. It is a journey for sure. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
I love to see happy, healthy women of my age ! Thanks for sharing, always so inspiring.
They are inspiring aren’t they?!
Great read! I got into fitness relatively recently so I’d hope that I will continue to see improvement over the next years! I’d love to be able to continue being active as long as possible.
Thanks I really enjoyed reading all of my friends responses as well. Thanks for stopping by!
Great read! Being in my mid-30s, I view fitness completely different than when I was in my 20s. No longer do I exercise to fit a certain size clothing or try to look hot (haha), but now it’s more about being healthy and setting a good example for my kids. Although the hotness helps! 😉
Yes exactly! I feel the same.Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Hello Deborah , this blog is awesome… Yes, it’s true that fitness doesn’t mean only about weight loss and excises. From my point of view, it’s mean to live happy, eating healthy food, keeping strong and healthy body.
Thanks and I absolutely agree! I really appreciate your stopping by and sharing your opinion. Hope to see you again
Fifty-eight and still going strong over here! I do find it very frustrating that in order to maintain my current paces, I have to work harder than ever, and I definitely feel the need for longer recovery times.
Thanks for the fun read!
I feel like I have to keep working harder too to maintain. More recovery is definitely needed. We are still out there so that’s all that matters!!